Now that I'm in my mid-20s, I feel like I'm always struggling to choose between two fashion identities: the version of myself who wants to dress like a total Gen Zer (smiley-face jewelry and all) and the one who wants to look mature and elevated at all times. It's a constant battle. But through trial and error, I've adopted an in-between style. I choose pieces that could easily be a part of both identities, depending on how I style them. After chatting with my co-workers-turned-friends who are also in their 20s, I found out that we're all in the same boat. We're here for crop tops that can be worn solo with baggy jeans or under a blazer with tailored trousers, extra-chunky boots that could be paired with a mini dress or tucked under some straight-leg pants, and vests that can be rocked solo or layered with a button-up shirt.
The most recent H&M drop is kind of perfect for our multiple fashion identities. It has a selection of cool layers and statement pieces made for outdoorsy fall days. And not only is the collection ridiculously cool, but it's made from more sustainable materials, too. (Hello, 100%-recycled-polyester padded vest.) Keep scrolling to see the pieces our Who What Wear editors will be scooping up this fall.
"It's not every day that the trendiest option is also the most practical, but this puffer vest just so happens to be both," says editor Anna Laplaca. "It would look especially cool layered over a printed turtleneck."
"Shackets are basically a fall and winter staple as far as I’m concerned. Throw one on over jeans, leggings, or sweats, and you’ll automatically look cool without trying too hard."
"While this knit bolero is a moment on its own, pairing it with the matching knit dress is a whole entire vibe."
"I'm going through a baseball-hat phase right now," senior fashion editor Michaela Bushkin explains. "I usually pair them with biker shorts, sneakers, and an oversize blazer. Since quilted fabrics are trending hard, this grey cap caught my eye immediately."
"Pro tip: Style these stirrup leggings with loafers for a chic look."
"This sports bra can easily double as a crop top when worn under a blazer or shacket."
"I'm a sucker for anything quilted at the moment, and this bucket hat is no exception," associate editor Aniyah Morinia tells me. "I would style this with a graphic tee and leather pants or even a structured suit in a saturated hue. The styling options are truly endless."
"Layering is arguably the best part of fall. This vest is the edgy top layer that my closet has been missing. Whether I'm walking through the city on a rainy day or tapping into a streetwear aesthetic, this piece can be worn in so many different ways. The quilted fabric and olive-green piping really seal the deal for me."
"While most people associate dresses with the summer season, I'm a big fan of them during the fall. My go-to outfit includes this rib-knit dress paired with tall boots and a fun handbag."
"I love the idea of a knitted turtleneck bib for the fall because it makes looking 'put together' for Zoom conferences so much easier," says audience engagement editor Jasmine Fox-Suliaman. "But beyond that, it's such a fun piece to style for the fall. I can envision myself layering one under a blazer for work or wearing it with a sweatsuit for a morning walk. It's the utilitarian fall piece I didn't know I needed in my life."
"My secret to looking polished no matter what is that I rely on an arsenal of comfortable and easy-to-wear dresses, and this H&M dress is a contender for the roster."
"Nothing screams fall quite like the onset of cozier fabrics. This faux-shearling coat will make you feel like you're snuggled up in bed, even if you're not."
Let me just say, if there was a fashion handbook, it would tell you that every closet needs a ribbed turtleneck for fall. And the grey color of this one? Perfection.
Do I really need a puffer for an L.A. fall? No. No, I do not. But, this knee-length one is way too cool to pass up.
I'm happy that the sweater-vest trend is still going strong. And how pretty is this cream version? I'm ready to wear it into the office layered over a basic button-down.
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